Alignment device

ABSTRACT

An alignment device including a body having an alignment edge configured to guide a cutting device, an extension portion pivotal relative to the alignment edge, and at least one cutting-line indicator configured to be selectively positioned on the extension portion and configured to indicate a cutting line for the cutting device. In some embodiments, the alignment device may include a plurality of pitch selectors configured to indicate a plurality of different angles, including a first pitch selector indicating a first angle. The body further may include a level indicator configured to identify whether a plank is at first angle when the first pitch selector is selected and the body is positioned in a pitch measurement position on the plank.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.application Ser. No. 10/376,868 U.S. Pat. No. 7,124,668 B2 of WendelReed Hiland, Jr. for an ALIGNMENT DEVICE, filed Feb. 27, 2003, whichclaims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/361,218 of Wendel Reed Hiland, Jr. for a SAW AND BLADE ALIGNMENTDEVICE, filed Mar. 1, 2002 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 60/389,902 of Wendel Reed Hiland, Jr. for an ALIGNMENT DEVICE, filedJun. 18, 2002, the entirety of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to alignment devices. Moreparticularly, the present invention is directed to an alignment devicefor guiding a cutting device.

BACKGROUND

Many different types of alignment devices, such as straightedge andsquaring devices are known. One common alignment device is a carpenter'ssquare. The carpenter's square, also referred to as a flat square, arafter square, a builder's square, a roofing square, etc. may have avariety of uses. Typically, carpenter's squares are L-shaped and may beused for measuring and marking patterns in framing, roofing, andstairway work. The carpenter's square also may be used as a straightedgefor determining the flatness of a surface.

Such carpenter's squares may be used to ensure that a line or cut issquare or plumb. For example, the L-shape of most carpenter's squaresenables users to determine whether a line or cut is perpendicular from areference surface, such as an edge of a plank. Such a determination maybe made by resting a first portion of the square against the referencesurface and aligning a second perpendicular portion, or leg, of thesquare with the line or cut. The user then may compare the position ofthe leg with the selected line or cut and thereby determine whether sucha line or cut is square.

Additionally, some carpenter's squares enable a user to check angles of30, 45, and 60 degrees. However, the uses of such carpenter's squaresmay be limited to measuring and checking the preformed angles of thealignment device. Thus, an alignment device having a 90-degree edge maybe used for checking and marking 90-degree angles. Similarly, analignment device with a 45-degree edge may be used for checking andmarking 45-degree angles. However, it may be difficult to use thealignment device having a 90-degree or 45-degree edge to check and marka 60-degree angle. Thus, versatility of such an alignment device may belimited.

Carpenter's squares further may be used to measure and mark a desiredcutting line. For example, when a user wants to cut the plank with ahandheld cutting device, such as a circular saw, the user may measureand mark a point on a plank where the plank is to be cut. The user mayuse a carpenter's square or other straightedge device to guide a markinginstrument, such as a pencil or pen, from the measured point along thedesired cutting line, thereby creating a marked line on the surface ofthe plank. After marking a desired cutting line, a user may align theblade of the saw with the marked line, and move the saw in such a manneras to ensure that the blade follows the path of the drawn line. Variousconditions, such as the type of wood, weather conditions, such as rain,or byproducts from cutting, e.g. sawdust, may erase or obscure themarked line from the user making it difficult, if not impossible, forthe user to accurately cut the plank. Additionally, the shape of thecutting device may prevent a user from accurately sighting the markedline while cutting. Moreover, inexperienced users may find it difficultto follow the marked line with the cutting device, and thus, althoughthe line may have been straight, the cut, itself, may not.

SUMMARY

An alignment device including a body having an alignment edge configuredto guide a cutting device, an extension portion pivotal relative to thealignment edge, and at least one cutting-line indicator configured to beselectively positioned on the extension portion and configured toindicate a cutting line for the cutting device. In some embodiments, thealignment device may include a plurality of pitch selectors configuredto indicate a plurality of different angles, including a first pitchselector indicating a first angle. The body further may include a levelindicator configured to identify whether a plank is at first angle whenthe first pitch selector is selected and the body is positioned in apitch measurement position on the plank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an alignment device according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an alignment device with an extension portion ina partially open position according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the alignment device of FIG. 1including adjustable cutting-line indicators on the extension portionaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of another alignment device accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is side view of the alignment device of FIG. 1 including grippingmembers configured to retain the alignment device against a plank.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an alignment device being used toset roof pitch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method for setting roof pitch according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of an alignment device with a cutting devicesupport.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An alignment device constructed according to the present invention isshown generally at 10 in FIG. 1. As described in more detail below, theuses of alignment device 10 may include, but are not limited to, use asa conventional carpenter's square, use as a straightedge, use as a sawand blade alignment device, use as a level, and/or use as a roof pitchsetter, etc.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, alignment device 10 may be usedin conjunction with a cutting device 100, such as a saw or otherportable cutting device. For example, alignment device 10 may be usedwith handheld saws, such as circular saws, reciprocating saws, jigsaws,etc.

Typically, alignment device 10 has a body 12 that includes an alignmentedge 14, which may be aligned with cutting device 100. Cutting device100 may be positioned such that it travels adjacent alignment edge 14.Typically, cutting device 100 includes a cutter mechanism 102, such as asaw blade, which may extend from any portion of cutting device 100.Cutting device 100 further may include a saw table or guard 104. Guard104, for example, may surround cutter mechanism 102 and maintain cuttermechanism 102 at a desired position relative to the guard. As usedherein, guard 104 includes any lateral extension of the saw that may bealigned with alignment edge 14 to maintain cutter mechanism 102 a selectdistance from alignment edge 14. It should be noted that guard 104, orother portion of cutting device 100, may be positioned, such that itabuts alignment edge 14 without hindering the operation of cuttingdevice 100.

Body 12 of the alignment device also typically includes an extensionportion 16, typically including at least one cutting-line indicator orpointer 18. Extension portion 16, also referred to herein as arm 16, maybe configured to move pivotally relative to alignment edge 14. Forexample, extension portion 16 may be configured to be rotated from analignment position (indicated at 20) to a pass-through position(indicated at 22). As used herein, alignment position includes aposition where the extension portion extends outwardly from the body andis adapted to indicate an intended cutting line. For example, in thealignment position, extension portion 16 may be configured to beperpendicular to alignment edge 14 thereby indicating a cutting line 112for the cutting device that is parallel to alignment edge 14.Displacement of the extension portion 16 from the alignment position 20to a pass-through position 22 may occur upon contact with cuttermechanism 102. Thus, when the extension portion is in an alignmentposition, the body should be understood to be in a guide position.

Extension portion 16 may rotate or swing about pivot point 24. Forexample, extension portion 16 may be releasably coupled to body 12 via ahinge 24A. The hinge 24A may include a spring-loaded hinge or otherdevice, which in some embodiments, may bias extension portion 16 in thealignment position. The hinged connection may enable extension portion16 to be displaced upon contact with front edge 106 of cutting device100. Displacement of extension portion 16 is shown by arrow 23 inFIG. 1. Although described in terms of rotation of extension portion 16,it should be appreciated that extension portion 16 may be displaced inany suitable manner, including, but not limited to, vertical rotation,retraction, lifting, etc.

To use alignment device 10 as a saw and blade alignment device,alignment device 10 may be positioned on plank 110. Plank, as usedherein, may include any suitable material that is typically cut with asaw, including wood materials, plastic materials, composite materials,metal materials, etc. Positioning of alignment device 10 on plank 110may depend on the configuration of alignment device 10 and size of plank110. Typically, alignment edge 14 of alignment device 10 may be alignedacross plank 110, such that extension portion 16 abuts the edge of plank110. Retention edge 26 of body 12 also may abut plank 110. For example,plank 110 may be pressed against retention edge 26, thereby assuring, inthe present configuration, that alignment edge 14 provides a straightguide for guiding cutting device 100. The alignment device 10 may alsoinclude a hypotenuse edge which is opposite the right angle formed byretention edge 26 and alignment edge 14. The alignment edge 14, theretention edge 26, and the hypotenuse edge form a right triangle, suchas the isosceles right triangle shown. As illustrated, alignment edge 14forms a 90° angle with retention edge 26, and alignment edge 14 andretention edge 26 each form a 45° angle with the hypotenuse edge.

Retention edge 26 typically is perpendicular to alignment edge 14.Extension portion 16 may be considered as pivotally connected toretention edge 26. As described in more detail below, alignment device10 is configured to be used in both a right-hand orientation and aleft-hand orientation. Thus, the orientation of alignment device 10 maybe reversed, such that either side of alignment device 10 may face plank110. Thus, by rotating the alignment device body about the firstalignment edge, the body may be used in both a left-handed userorientation and a right-handed user orientation.

Typically, alignment device 10 is held in position by a user's hand 114,as shown in FIG. 1. Alignment device 10 may include a hand-grippingregion 27 adapted to receive a user's hand. Once the alignment device ispositioned on the plank, the user may align cutting device 100, so thata portion of the cutting device, such as guard 104, may travel adjacentto and along alignment edge 14 as cutting device 100 is drawn acrossplank 110 (as indicated by the arrow on cutting device 100). Thus,alignment edge 14 operates as a guide for cutting device 100.

As described above, once cutting device 100 contacts extension portion16, extension portion 16 is displaced from an alignment position 20 to apass-through position 22. Movement of extension portion 16 may enablecutting device 100 to cut through the entire plank 110 without loss ofthe guiding aid of alignment edge 14. In some embodiments, extensionportion 16 may rotate or swing back towards the alignment position oncecutting device 100 has cut through plank 110 and is out of the path ofextension portion 16.

It should be noted that extension portion 16 may be attached toalignment device 10 in any suitable configuration that enables extensionportion 16 to break away from the alignment position. For example, insome embodiments, extension portion 16 may be configured to be cut andreleased from alignment device 10. In such embodiments, the cutextension portion 16 may be configured for selective reattachment toalignment device 10. Alternatively, each extension portion 16 may beused once, thereby requiring a user to reattach a new extension portion16 after each use. Similarly, known straightedge devices or squaringdevices may be adapted to allow attachment of extension portion 16.

It should be appreciated that extension portion 16 may be secured toalignment edge 14 in a compact or closed position, as shown in dashedlines in FIG. 2. In the closed position, extension portion 16 may bepositioned substantially adjacent retention edge 26 of body 12. Detents(as schematically illustrated at 25) or other mechanisms may be used tolock extension portion 16 along retention edge 26. Positioning theextension portion in a closed position may make alignment device 10easier to manipulate when not being used to guide a cutting device.

Referring back to FIG. 1, extension portion 16 typically includes aselectively adjustable cutting-line indicator or pointer 18. Typically,adjustable pointer 18 may be selectively positioned along extensionportion 16, such that the pointer indicates the path of cutter mechanism102 when cutting device 100 is guided by alignment edge 14. Adjustablepointer 18, shown in FIG. 3, may be any suitable device that isconfigured to indicate to a user the projected path of cutter mechanism102. For example, pointer 18 may be a mechanical pointer, a laserpointer, etc.

There are many methods of setting the pointer on the extension portionfor a specific cutting device. For example, a user may measure thedistance from the edge of the cutting device (the portion which willcontact the alignment edge of the device when cutting) to the cuttermechanism. The user may then match the measured distance byappropriately positioning the pointer on the extension portion.Alternatively, a user may draw a line on a plank using the alignmentedge as a guide. Then, while maintaining the alignment device in thesame position, the user may cut the plank keeping the cutting devicesubstantially adjacent to the alignment edge, thereby using thealignment edge as a guide. As described above, the extension portion isconfigured to pivot and allow the cutting device to pass through. Thealignment device then may be aligned with the cut line and the pointerpositioned with the cut. Thus, a user may be able to selectivelyposition the pointer without having to cut into the extension portion.

FIG. 3 illustrates two exemplary pointers, 18 a and 18 b. Each pointermay be selectively positioned along extension portion 16. In someembodiments, adjustable pointer 18 slidably engages extension portion16. For example, pointers 18 a and 18 b may slide within a track 28 oralong a rail within extension portion 16. One or more tracks may extendalong the upper and lower section of extension portion 16. In otherembodiments, a single track may run through the central portion ofextension portion 16. Arrows 32 illustrate the lateral movement of eachof the pointers along extension portion 16. It should be appreciatedthat other configurations which enable pointers 18 a and 18 b to beselectively positioned along extension portion 16 are contemplated. Asdescribed above, adjustment of the position of pointers 18 a and 18 benable a user to adapt the alignment device to a specific cuttingdevice. For example, the distance that a cutter mechanism extends from aguard may vary, and thus, the distance that the cutting mechanismextends from alignment edge 14 may vary. By providing a selectivelymoveable pointer, the alignment device may accommodate the use ofvarious types of cutting devices.

Pointers 18 a and 18 b may be selectively retained in a desired positionalong extension portion 16 with a locking member or device, such as 30 aand 30 b. For example, locking members 30 a and 30 b may be screws, suchas thumb screws, clips, or other removable locking devices adapted toremovably secure adjustable pointers 18 a and 18 b in desired positions.It also should be noted that adjustable pointers 18 a and 18 b mayinclude a blade width indicator or tip 34 a and 34 b, respectively. Theblade width indicator may be used to illustrate the width of the cut ofcommonly-used blades. Thus, a user may accurately position pointers 18 aand 18 b such that the cut extends along the appropriate line for adesired cutting device and blade.

In some embodiments, the pointers may be selectively positioned awayfrom extension portion 16. For example, in FIG. 3, pointer 18 a is shownin a first position where a finger 36 a is rotated downwards alongextension portion 16. In such a position, finger 36 a may function toindicate an intended cutting line. Finger 36 a may be rotated (indicatedby arrow 38 a) to a second position as shown in dashed lines. Finger 36b also may be rotated between a first position and a second position. Asshown in FIG. 3, finger 36 b is shown in a second position, extendingaway from extension portion 16.

The use of two pointers, 18 a and 18 b, enables the alignment device tobe used with either side substantially facing a plank where theextension portion extends either to the right or to the left. Forexample, when a user positions a cutting device to the right of thealignment device such that the left side of the alignment devicecontacts the alignment edge, (such as the position shown in FIG. 1),finger 36 a of pointer 18 a may be rotated against extension portion 16to indicate the cutting line. Finger 36 b of pointer 18 b may be rotatedinto the second position (as illustrated in FIG. 3) such that finger 36b extends downwards and away from extension portion 16. If the alignmentdevice is turned over, a user may indicate the cutting line by rotatingfinger 36 b of pointer 18 b against extension portion 16, as indicatedby arrow 38 b. With the alignment device in the above-describedorientation, the user also may move finger 36 a away from extensionportion 16. Such a configuration enables the extension portion to lieflat against plank 110. Although two pointers have been discussed andillustrated, it should be appreciated that other configurations ofalignment device including a single pointer may be used and are withinthe scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate another embodiment of an alignment device 40.Alignment device 40 has a body 42, including an alignment edge 44 and aretention edge 46. Alignment device 40 further includes an extensionportion 48 with an adjustable pointer 50. Adjustable pointer 50 may beretained in position by locking member 52. Alignment device 40 operatesin a similar manner as alignment device 10 described above. Thus,extension portion 48 may be adapted to break away as illustrated byarrow 54 from an alignment position to a pass-through position(indicated at 56) upon contact by a guard or other portion of a cuttingdevice.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, alignment device 40 further may include anynumber of gripping members, shown as 58 a and 58 b. The gripping membersmay be adapted to retain plank 110 in a fixed position between thegripping members and retention edge 46 of body 42. Gripping members 58 aand 58 b are adapted to retain alignment device 40 in a substantiallyfixed position such that it does not slide off or otherwise move fromplank 110 during the cutting process. As will be understood, alignmentdevice 40 may include any number of gripping members, and thus,alignment device 40 may have one, two, three, or more gripping membersplaced at various distances within body 42. In some embodiments, nogripping members may be provided on the body of the alignment device. Insome embodiments, the gripping members may be pivotally attached toalignment device 40 to allow each gripping member to pivot intoengagement with the plank. The gripping members may also pivot away fromthe body and out of the way when not being used to grip plank 110.

Gripping members 58 a and 58 b may be positioned parallel to alignmentedge 44, as shown in FIG. 4. Additional gripping members (not shown) maybe placed laterally across alignment device 40 to further grip plank110. Each gripping member may include a plurality of protrusions orteeth 60, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Gripping members 58 a and 58 b maybe configured to frictionally engage plank 110. Protrusions 60 may beconfigured to accommodate variations in plank size. For example, if aspecific plank is slightly larger than a standard-sized plank,protrusions 60 will still function to at least partially retainalignment device 40 against plank 110.

Gripping members 58 a and 58 b may be positioned such that they contactthe edge of standard-sized planks 110, including, but not limited to,1×2 inch planks, 2×4 inch planks, 2×6 inch planks, 2×8 inch planks, 2×10inch planks, 2×12 inch planks, 5×12 inch planks, etc. For example, andas schematically illustrated in FIG. 5, gripping member 58 a may bepositioned approximately 3.5 inches away from retention edge 46 (toaccommodate a plank having a 3.5 inch width, indicated at 116).Similarly, gripping member 58 b may be positioned 5.5 inches away fromedge 46 (to accommodate a plank having a 5.5 inch width, indicated at118). Thus, when alignment device 40 is positioned on a 2×4 inch plank,protrusions 60 of gripping member 58 a engage the side of plank 116,thereby retaining alignment device 40 against plank 116. Similarly, whenalignment device 40 is positioned on a 2×6 inch plank, gripping member58 b may engage the side of plank 118, thereby retaining alignmentdevice 40 against plank 118. Moreover, when alignment device 40 ispositioned on a 2×6 inch plank, gripping member 58 a pivots up throughthe associated slot in body 42 and out of the way of plank 118, asindicated at 62. Such pivoting enables the lower surface of alignmentdevice 40 to rest against plank 118. The pivoting of the grippingmembers further enables the use of alignment device 40 in differentorientations relative to plank 110. For example, gripping members 58 aand 58 b may be functional when alignment device 40 is turned over.

The operation of alignment device 10 and 40 as a cutting guide will nowbe described in more detail. Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5, a usermay select a desired cutting line 112 on plank 110 by determining thedesired length of the finished cut product. The user may indicatecutting line 112 by drawing a small alignment mark on plank 110 at thedesired cutting point with a pencil or other marker. The alignment markneed not extend across plank 110. Instead, the alignment mark may beused to align the adjustable pointer such that the adjustable pointerindicates the intended cutting line 112 of cutter mechanism 102.Alternatively, the user may measure plank 110 and determine cutting line112, without actually marking an alignment mark on plank 110.

In preparation of cutting the plank, the user positions the alignmentdevice on the plank and aligns the adjustable pointer with desiredcutting line 112. As stated above, the adjustable pointer may beslidably engaged with the extension portion such that alignment of theadjustable pointer may be accomplished by sliding adjustable pointer 18along the length of the extension portion and securing the adjustablepointer in a selected position, indicating cutting line 112 of cuttingdevice 100. If the alignment device includes another adjustable pointer,the second pointer may be folded away from the extension portion. Thesecond adjustable pointer may be pressed snug against plank 110 helpingto retain the alignment device in position on plank 110.

As the user draws cutting device 100 across plank 110, the usermaintains the cutting device along the alignment edge of the alignmentdevice. Cutter mechanism 102 cuts plank 110 along cutting line 112.During cutting, the user simply maintains the cutting device against thealignment edge, which should result in a straight-line cut. The use ofthe alignment device may obviate the need to draw or mark a straightline across plank 110. Moreover, the use of the alignment device makesit unnecessary for the user to use a marked line as a guide for cuttermechanism 102. Thus, even where the configuration of cutting device 100limits visibility of a marked line, a user may still be able to cut theplank as desired. Once cutting device 100 contacts the extension portionof the alignment device, the extension portion rotates or “opens” toallow cutting device 100 to pass through.

As described briefly above, it should be noted that in some embodiments,the alignment device may be reversible. For example, the alignment edgemay be positioned to the left side of cutting device 100. Alternatively,the alignment edge may be positioned to the right side of cutting device100. Such a configuration may enable alignment device 10 to accommodateboth a left-handed user and a right-handed user. Regardless of theorientation of alignment device 10, the extension portion is configuredto be moveable between an alignment position and a pass-throughposition. Furthermore, and as discussed briefly above, gripping membersmay be provided, which regardless of the orientation of the alignmentdevice operate to retain the alignment device on the plank.

Referring back to FIG. 1, body 12 also may include one or more levelindicators 64, such as, but not limited to, bubble or spirit levels. Anynumber of level indicators 64 may be built into or incorporated withinthe body of the alignment device. Level indicators 64 may be positionedon the alignment device, such that they are easy to see during handlingof the alignment device. Level indicators 64 may be used for levelchecks and angle checks. For example, the alignment device may bepositioned on a surface to ascertain whether the surface is horizontal,vertical, or at a selected angle. Level indicators 64 further may beused for setting and/or determining roof pitches, as described in moredetail below. Typically, the level indicators are configured to show theorientation of the alignment device body relative to a plane, such as ahorizontal or vertical plane.

In some embodiments, the alignment device may include a plurality ofpitch selectors, such as pitch selection holes 66 shown in FIGS. 1, 2,4, 6, and 8. Each pitch selector may correspond to a pre-measured angle,for use in determining roof pitch. Suitable conversion tables may beattached to the body of the device further facilitating the use of thealignment device in identifying and setting roof pitches or angles. Byselecting the appropriate pitch selector, a user may be able to identifyand/or position a plank at a desired angle.

A set pin may be selectively positioned within any one of the pitchselection holes 66. The set pin in combination with the pitch selectionholes function as a pitch selector. For example, each pitch selectionhole 66 may be associated with a different angle. By inserting a setpin, such as a penny nail or other marker, into one of the plurality ofholes, the alignment device may be used to determine the angle of aplank. Alternatively, the pitch selector may be of a differentconfiguration, not requiring a set pin or a pitch selection hole. Forexample, each pitch selector may have a preformed projection that, uponselection, may be configured to be moved from a neutral first positionto a depressed second position where the projection extends away fromthe body of the alignment device and operates in a manner similar to theset pin described above. It should be appreciated that otherconfigurations for the pitch selector are contemplated and within thescope of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates the use of alignment device 10 to set roof pitch.Specifically, as illustrated, set pin 68, or other suitable marker, ispositioned within the appropriate pitch selection hole 66. Alignmentdevice 10 is then adjusted such that plank 120 rests against set pin 68and the right angle intersection of alignment device 10, as shown inFIG. 6. The angle of plank 120 may be adjusted until level indicator 64a indicates that alignment device 10 is horizontal. A second levelindicator 64 b may be used to ensure that plank 120 and alignment device10 are vertically positioned.

It should be appreciated that alignment device 10 may be used to checkor determine pitch angle in addition to setting pitch angle. Typically,such checks are made by guessing the pitch, positioning alignment device10, and checking to see if level indicator 64 a indicates that the pitchis accurate. It should be noted that the position of set pin 68 may haveto be adjusted to precisely determine the pitch of a plank or roof. Oncelevel indicator 64 a indicates that the alignment device is horizontal,the position of set pin 68 within the appropriate pitch selector 66 maybe used to indicate the pitch of the roof. Conversion tables located onthe alignment device further may be used to determine the pitch angle.

A method for setting roof pitch is shown generally in FIG. 7 at 122. Themethod includes determining a desired roof pitch (at 124) andpositioning a set pin in the appropriate pitch selection hole on thealignment device (at 126). The appropriate pitch selection hole may bedetermined by the markings on the alignment device. The method furtherincludes positioning the alignment device on a plank or other suitablesupport (at 128) and adjusting the plank such that an associated levelindicator indicates the plank is set at the desired pitch (at 130). Itshould be appreciated that the level indicator may be incorporatedwithin, or external of, the alignment device. In embodiments where thelevel is external of the alignment device, a user may position a levelindicator, such as a spirit level, on the upper surface of the alignmentdevice and adjust the plank until a level surface is indicated.

It should be noted that extension portion 16 may be in a closed positionwhere extension portion 16 is removably locked against retention edge26. Positioning of extension portion 16 in a closed position enables thealignment device to be easily manipulated when determining roof pitchesor other angles. In some embodiments, extension portion 16 may beremovable from the alignment device. In other embodiments, the alignmentdevice may not include an extension portion.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of alignment device 10.Specifically, in FIG. 8, body 12 of alignment device 10 includes acutting device support or saw support 70. Cutting device support 70 maybe used to support a cutting device (not shown in FIG. 8) when plank 132has a non-uniform contour. For example, plank 132 may be an I-joist orother similar beam. For example, plank 132 may have rails 134 whichextend upward and outward from the body of plank 132. Cutting devicesupport 70 is substantially rigid and is configured to provide a bridgefor a cutting device, such that the cutting device is maintained along asubstantially lateral plane as it cuts through the non-uniform contourplank 132. The cutting device support 70 functions to maintain thecutting device in an operable position.

Cutting device support 70 typically is configured for quick removalfrom, and attachment to, body 12 and may be selectively detached andattached to the body of the alignment device. For example, in someembodiments, body 12 may have cavities 72 adapted to receive posts 74,which extend from cutting device support 70. Posts 74 may be adapted tobe inserted and slid within cavities 72, such that the cutting devicesupport is substantially locked in a support position. In someembodiments, cutting device support 70 may be selectively positionedwith cavities 72.

It should be noted that alignment device 10 generally has the shape of atriangle; however, other configurations providing a straightedge arepossible. For example, the alignment device may be an L-shaped square, aframing square, or other straightedge device.

Alignment device 10 may be made of any suitable material, including, butnot limited to, plastics, metals, and composites, etc. It should benoted that extension portion 16, adjustable pointer 18, and cuttingdevice support 70 may be made out of similar or different materials.

It should be noted that the drawings described above depict a pluralityof embodiments for an alignment device. The drawings illustrateexemplary embodiments that depict a variety of elements and subelements.It is within the scope of the invention that these elements andsubelements may be selectively embodied in devices alone or incombination with one or more other elements and/or subelements,regardless of whether the particular selected element, subelement, orcombination thereof is specifically illustrated in the figures.

Thus, while the present description has been provided with reference tothe foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand thatmany variations may be made therein without departing from the spiritand scope defined in the following claims. The description should beunderstood to include all novel and non-obvious combinations of elementsdescribed herein, and claims may be presented in this or a laterapplication to any novel and non-obvious combination of these elements.The foregoing embodiments are illustrative, and no single feature orelement is essential to all possible combinations that may be claimed inthis or a later application. Where the claims recite “a” or “a first”element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood toinclude incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring,nor excluding, two or more such elements.

1. An alignment device comprising: a body including: an alignment edgeconfigured to guide a cutting device; an extension portion pivotalrelative to the alignment edge, biased to an alignment position wherethe extension portion extends outward from the body and is perpendicularto the alignment edge when in the alignment position and where theextension portion is configured to swing to a pass-through position uponcontact with the cutting device and automatically return to thealignment position upon passing of the cutting device; and at least onecutting-line indicator configured to be selectively positioned on theextension portion and configured to indicate a cutting line for thecutting device during cutting operation, a retention edge configured toabut a plank, where the retention edge extends parallel to the plank andwhere the retention edge is fixed perpendicular to the alignment edgeforming a right angle with the alignment edge; and; a hypotenuse edgeopposite the right angle to form a right triangle for use as acarpenter's square.
 2. The alignment device of claim 1, wherein theextension portion is hingedly connected to the body.
 3. The alignmentdevice of claim 2, wherein the extension portion is hingedly connectedby a spring-loaded hinge.
 4. The alignment device of claim 1, whereinthe body further comprises a locking member configured to removablysecure the at least one cutting-line indicator to a user-selectableposition on the extension portion.
 5. The alignment device of claim 1,wherein the at least one cutting-line indicator is adjustable between afirst operable position where the cutting-line indicator indicates acutting line and a second position extending away from the extensionportion.
 6. The alignment device of claim 1, wherein the body isconfigured to be reversible between both a left-handed user orientationand a right-handed user orientation by rotating the alignment devicebody about the alignment edge.
 7. The alignment device of claim 1,wherein the body further comprises a plurality of pitch selectorsconfigured to set a plank at a selected angle.
 8. The alignment deviceof claim 7, wherein the plurality of pitch selectors include a pluralityof pitch selection holes, where each hole corresponds to a premeasuredangle and is configured to receive a set pin to indicate a user-selectedangle.
 9. The alignment device of claim 7, wherein the body includes alevel indicator configured to be used in combination with the pitchselectors to identify when the plank is at the selected angle.
 10. Thealignment device of claim 1, wherein the extension portion is lockablein a compact position, wherein the extension portion is substantiallyadjacent to the alignment device body.
 11. The alignment device of claim1, wherein the body further comprises a cutting device supportconfigured to maintain the cutting device in an operable position. 12.The alignment device of claim 11, wherein the cutting device support isselectively detachable and attachable to the body.
 13. The alignmentdevice of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises at least onegripping member pivotally attached to the body and configured to retainthe alignment device against a plank.
 14. An alignment device forguiding an electrically-powered saw during cutting of a non-uniformplank, the saw having a saw blade and a saw guard, the devicecomprising: a body including: a retention edge substantiallyperpendicular to an alignment edge the retention edge extending parallelto the plank and retaining the device in position against the plankduring cutting operation, where the saw guard is configured to bealigned with the alignment edge; an extension portion pivotallyconnected to the retention edge and biased to an alignment position,wherein the extension portion is perpendicular to the alignment edge andis displaceable from the alignment position to a pass-through positionupon contact with the saw and swings back to the alignment position whenthe saw has cut through the plank and is out of the path of theextension portion; a hypotenuse edge extending from the retention edgeto the alignment edge to form a triangle-shaped body to enable checkingand marking angles; a pointer positionable on the extension portion toindicate a cutting line of the saw during cutting operation, wherein thepointer may be selectively positioned depending on the position of thesaw blade from an edge of the saw, wherein the pointer is configured toslide within a track within the extension portion; and a saw support tosupport the saw in a substantially lateral plane during cuttingoperation of the non-uniform plank.
 15. The alignment device of claim14, wherein the cutting device support is selectively removable from thealignment device.
 16. The alignment device of claim 14, wherein thealignment device is reversible between a right-hand orientation and aleft-hand orientation.
 17. The alignment device of claim 14, wherein thepointer includes a blade with indicator for illustrating a width ofcommonly-used blades.
 18. The alignment device of claim 17, wherein thepointer is configured to be selectively positioned away from theextension portion.
 19. The alignment device of claim 18, wherein thepointer is configured to be selectively positioned in a position where afinger of the pointer is rotated downwards along extension portion toindicate an intended cutting line.
 20. The alignment device of claim 14,wherein the pointer includes a clip locking member configured toremovably secure the pointer in desired positions.